As we turn our clocks back an hour for the return to standard time this weekend, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to change the batteries in our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms can save lives in our homes.
On the topic of alarms, it’s important that we are familiar with the newer alarm systems in place in our newer buildings, like the Outpatient Pavilion.
If a single smoke detector sounds an alarm, it triggers an alarm on the floor above and the floor below, but not the entire building. There are several reasons for this, including the importance of continuity of operations, taking into account the sprinkler system and how new buildings like this are constructed.
Should there be a situation that is not localized to a single area—for example, something that deploys the sprinkler system or someone pulls a fire alarm—that would set off the alarm system to notify a greater portion of the building, if not the entire building. The potential severity of the situation determines which alarms this modern system triggers, based on which devices are activated.
It is important to remember that any alarm, no matter how seemingly mundane, will instantly notify our fire department. Responding firefighters will immediately investigate and determine what course of action is necessary for the safety of the occupants. If necessary they can escalate the alarm and use the speaker system to communicate instructions and initiate an evacuation.
Rest assured, our alarm systems are reliable and the elements are tested regularly, including the strobe lights, pull alarms, speakers, and the alarms themselves—all in the name of protecting you and minimizing disruptions.
James Brown
UConn Health Fire Chief
For more information, contact: Public Safety at x2121